I don’t know about you but I am definitely looking forward to the weekend. There’s something magical about a three day weekend – and this year Ian is off too! We’re definitely in need of a little rest and relaxation. He recently was switched to “second shift” which means he starts work at 3:30 pm and ends at 12:30 am. Meanwhile my shift is 9 am to 3 pm. Yeah…not ideal.
Even though we both are not thrilled with his new shift we are trying to see the positives – or at least I am! The biggest thing I’ve noticed is I’m actually more productive since it seems like I have limitless time to get things done. My calligraphy course just ended and now it’s time for some big plans. I’m keeping everything hush hush for now but I’ll keep you posted.
[ by bedsidesign ]
What are your weekend plans?!
Oh, and while we’re all here…
I launched a survey – make sure to cast your vote – every opinion matters.
May is almost over and if you are looking for a blog to sponsor I still have some openings for our lil’ swappa [free.99 if you host my ad] and swagga spaces. I can’t wait to announce June’s high rolla sponsor!
I will also be taking Monday off from blogging so I will see you back here on Tuesday featuring the foliophoto linkup for “small” – so don’t forget to take your photos! xo
[photo by bedsidesign | why are you doing this? by local artist]
As I ask myself some hard questions this month I think it’s time to bring you in! Today I’m asking you to participate in a survey. Why? Why are you doing this? Because I value you! I’d love to hear your opinions as a way to get in touch with where bedsidesign is at – and see what you think is working! Pretty please take my survey! It won’t take more than 5 minutes since I’m only asking five questions.
Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the world’s leading questionnaire tool.
On a side note – one of my fellow Syracuse bloggers wrote an amazing post inspired by last week’s be happy post: being y-o-u. If you’re looking for an honest, personal post check out Christopher Malone’s take on asking those hard questions.
Okay you got me…I’m on a mint kick. Now that I finally figured out what colors I want to decorate our bathroom with I can’t help but fall in love with all things mint, and gold! Today’s design residency will serve a few purposes: helping me decide on items to add to my bathroom wishlist, hopefully inspiring all of you, and showing you that style doesn’t have to come at a crazy price.
The inspiration: After creating this simple abstract art gallery wall I was trying to find an artist with a similar vibe. I stumbled across this ikat print in mint and gold by Stephanie Jean. I love the soft colors and the simplistic look on the canvas.
The translation: Oh Mr. Nate Berkus you have my eye again. I love the bath decor Target happens to have right now. That shower curtain is exactly what I’m looking for. I seem to be keeping a bunch of plants alive [finally!] and had to move our aloe plant out of the bathroom. I love this little hanging plant holder and think I may need to get one.
Get the look!
This is a collaborative series with Striped Cat Studio + java AFICIONADO. Check out their Design Residency posts and follow along with our pinterest!
Want to know a secret? I prefer to work with subjects, prompts, and focused ideas when I’m trying to create content for bedsidesign. One of the reasons I’m able to experiment with photography each week is because I’m following a set schedule for the foliophoto series. By focusing in on trying to interpret one word I am able to play more with the creativity aspect. I’m a firm believer of practice. I find that as I turn creativity into a regular habit my creative mind starts moving and I find myself stressing less and experimenting more. If you’re looking for a way to engage in a creative habit considering joining the foliophoto project – we’d love to have you!
prompt: eyes
subject: Since I previously photographed my favorite baby blue eyes I knew I would take today’s prompt in a new approach. The following is my carefully curated eye makeup kit. If I’m going for a little glamor I add eyeliner but each item below helps me create my classic look. I prefer a natural look with a little bit of pizazz so I aim for a neutral palette with a hint of shimmer. I’m the type of person that cannot justify spending a ton of cosmetics but MAC‘s eye shadow is like no other. For the rest of my cosmetics I use e.l.f. because I have yet to find another brand with the level of quality at such a low cost.
Here’s my routine: e.l.f. brow studio eyebrow kit | build your own MAC palette - of course my colors are discontinued | e.l.f. essential mechanical eyelash curler | e.l.f. studio small angled brush | e.l.f. essential eye shadow brush | e.l.f. studio mineral infused mascara
Camera: iPhone5 | Filter: Camerabag – SuperMagazine
Next week’s prompt? SMALL
P.S. Don’t forget to check out the others participating and link-up below + check out Sandra’s interpretation of eyes! By entering you also may be featured in one of the foliophoto recaps – all photos will be credited. Join up and get your photography out there! If you’re tweeting or using instagram don’t forget the hashtag #foliophoto
And, if you’re new to the foliophoto here’s a refresher on what this project is all about.
I know – it’s not really a surprise anymore. I work at a letterpress print shop, my guest column called Pretty Paper, and my overal love of mail it is obvious – I love stationery. That’s why I was thrilled to put together some pen pal stationery starter packs for two out of the six early bird signups for the newly launched Postmark Society.
The “Joy” Stationery Starter Pack: Inspired by Joy’s blog, color palette, and love for Rifle Paper Co., I knew I wanted to give her a similar look – without purchasing anything from Rifle – I’m sure she has tons of things! The color story I worked with was black, white, gray, blush, and metallic gold foil.
Smock calendar | Smock labels | In The Clear washi tape + baker’s twine | Paper & Twine gray + pink stationery
The “Kaleigh” Stationery Starter Pack: I could tell Kaleigh isn’t afraid of color. I wanted to play off the green she uses on her blog with a slightly more minty-green palette. I thought about going color crazy but somehow everything fell together in the end. Mint, gray, and metallic gold create the whole look making everything correspond.
Smock calendar | Smock labels | In The Clear washi tape + baker’s twine | Paper & Twine mint + confetti stationery
Just you wait – this week is the National Stationery Show and I am already swooning over the new stationery lines that are debuting. Be still my stationery heart, be still. For sign-ups and details check out the Postmark Society.
*The stationery starter packs were sponsored by Postable. Thank you! xo
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